Weight loss does not have to be expensive but it does have to be effective. There are lots of expensive methods and support groups but it is still possible to lose weight for free.

First of all one need to plan the process. A visit to the library to borrow a book on suitable approaches and recipes or a search on line for the information. The method used is determined by your preferred approach. - that is, what works best for you.

The cheapest approach is to use a calorie controlled menu (where you plan your meals around 1000 or 1200 calories a day for ladies or 1200 to 1500 for men) or a replacement menu where you replace two meals with a Bar or Meal drink as in the "Slim Fast " approach plus one meal of about 600 calories. Both these methods will not be expensive in that you are adapting your normal daily food bill to allow for these foods. Usually, when you cut out the extras you would normally eat, you will find you are spending no more on your daily food bill than before (often you spend less).

Next you need to work out an exercise program. This can be a mixture of household tasks, gardening, decorating, dog walking, along with power walking and jogging. Even using the children's skipping rope or a bicycle to help with work outs. So long as you are sensible and make sure you do warm up exercises, as well as cool down ones afterwards, you are bound to feel the benefits of your own exercise regime. Another brilliant form of exercise is to run up stairs, why not chose a flight of steps and keep practicing until you can run all the way up with out losing breath. Indeed, why not always use the stairs over the lift at work!

The idea is to set out a plan. Decide how much you want to lose and then look at your strategy. Organize easy to prepare foods, always have raw carrot or fruit ready to snack for those "difficult" moments, drink plenty of water. Weigh yourself weekly and plan some goal rewards like the new top you've fallen in love with, knowing you'll look good in the swim wear on holiday. Keep a diary of what you eat and record your thoughts and plans. This can all be motivating and help towards your goal of real weight loss.